6:9. AND WHEN HE (the Lamb)
HAD OPENED THE FIFTH SEAL, I SAW UNDER THE ALTAR THE SOULS OF THEM THAT
WERE SLAIN (or had been put to death-JNT132) FOR (proclaiming)
THE WORD OF GOD, AND FOR THE TESTIMONY (or bearing witness) WHICH THEY
HELD. Seal 5, T1 or T2.

6:9. AND
WHEN HE (the Lamb, which is Jesus)

HAD OPENED THE FIFTH SEAL, I SAW UNDERTHE ALTAR THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE SLAIN (or
had been put to death-JNT132). Some believe these may be Jews
that were martyred.

FOR (proclaiming)THE WORD OF GOD, AND FOR THE TESTIMONY (or bearing witness)

WHICH THEY HELD.
During the Tribulation, many will be killed for proclaiming God's Word
and for the testimony of Jesus.

6:10. AND THEY CRIED (or called)
WITH A LOUD VOICE, SAYING, HOW LONG, O LORD, HOLY AND TRUE, DOST THOU
NOT JUDGE (or until You judge) AND AVENGE OUR BLOOD ON THEM THAT DWELL
ON THE EARTH (or on the inhabitants of the earth-NIV)? T1 or T2.

6:10. AND
THEY CRIED (or called)

WITH A LOUD VOICE, SAYING, HOW LONG,
O LORD, HOLY AND TRUE, DOST THOU NOT JUDGE
(or until You judge)

AND AVENGEOUR BLOOD ON THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH (or on the inhabitants
of the earth-NIV)? These people that have been killed for the Word of
God are crying out for God to avenge them. They are asking how long it
will be. God answers them in the next verse, by telling them that they
should rest for a little season. In other words, the Tribulation is not
yet over.

6:11. AND
WHITE ROBES WERE GIVEN UNTO EVERY ONE OF THEM; AND IT WAS SAID UNTO THEM,
THAT THEY SHOULD REST YET FOR A LITTLE SEASON (or a little longer), UNTIL
THEIR FELLOWSERVANTS ALSO AND THEIR BRETHREN, THAT SHOULD BE KILLED AS
THEY WERE (or had been), SHOULD BE FULFILLED (or completed). Ref Rev 12:11;
7:4; 13:15; 20:4; Mt 24:9,10; Lk 21:16; Mk 13:12; Rev 15:2-4. T1 or T2.

THE SIXTH SEALABOUT
EIGHT THINGS BEGINNING WITH AN EARTHQUAKE1800-5A-5

6:11. AND
WHITE ROBES (which represent the righteousness of the saints)

WERE GIVEN UNTO EVERY ONE OF THEM;
AND IT WAS SAID UNTO THEM, THAT THEY SHOULD REST YET FOR A LITTLE SEASON
(or a little longer),

UNTIL THEIR FELLOWSERVANTS ALSO AND
THEIR BRETHREN, THAT SHOULD BE KILLED AS THEY WERE
(or as they had been)

SHOULD BE FULFILLED
(or completed). The Scriptures tell of the saints being martyred; they
are beheaded after the image of the beast comes forth, during the second
part of the Tribulation. Two groups are shown here. The first group are
under the altar, saying, "How long?" The second will be killed
shortly. These LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH-Rev 12:11; ref Rev
15:2-4.

During the Tribulation, many will come
to Jesus as a result of 144,000 male, virgin Jews that come forth to evangelize-ref
Rev 7:4. However, many that maintain their testimony of Jesus, when caught,
will be slaughtered.

THEN SHALL THEY DELIVER YOU UP TO BE AFFLICTED,
AND SHALL KILL YOU: AND YE SHALL BE HATED OF ALL NATIONS FOR MY NAME'S
SAKE-Mt 24:9. Hate will abound, and people will betray one another-ref
Mt 24:10. This begins in the first part of the Tribulation.

AND YE SHALL BE BETRAYED BOTH BY PARENTS,
AND BRETHREN, AND KINSFOLKS, AND FRIENDS; AND SOME OF YOU SHALL THEY CAUSE
TO BE PUT TO DEATH-Lk 21:16.

NOW THE BROTHER SHALL BETRAY THE BROTHER
TO DEATH, AND THE FATHER THE SON; AND CHILDREN SHALL RISE UP AGAINST THEIR
PARENTS, AND SHALL CAUSE THEM TO BE PUT TO DEATH-Mk 13:12. These verses
appear to cover the first part of the Tribulation. During the second part,
it will be much worse, as birth pains of a woman.

It is written, THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST
SHOULD BOTH SPEAK, AND CAUSE THAT AS MANY AS WOULD NOT WORSHIP THE IMAGE
OF THE BEAST SHOULD BE KILLED-Rev 13:15. This is part two of the Tribulation.
It appears to be initiated shortly after the midst of the Tribulation.

AND I SAW THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE
BEHEADED FOR THE WITNESS OF JESUS, AND FOR THE WORD OF GOD, AND WHICH
HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST, NEITHER HIS IMAGE, NEITHER HAD RECEIVED HIS
MARK UPON THEIR FOREHEADS, OR IN THEIR HANDS-Rev 20:4. This is part two
of the Tribulation (called the "Great Tribulation"). During
this time, those refusing to worship the image will be beheaded, if caught.
Christians will have to flee for their lives.

The exact timing of the fifth seal is
difficult to determine. It may happen during the second part of the Tribulation,
which is when true Christians will be beheaded if they do
not worship the image. The reason for this is the statement, KILLED
AS THEY WERE. Death by decapitation may be initiated at the time the
image of the beast comes forth, which is the second part of the Tribulation.
Many, however, believe the first group, mentioned in the fifth
seal, are killed during the first part of the Tribulation. If this is
true, then it would seem that decapitation will also be used during the
first part of the Tribulation.

The statement, REST YET FOR A LITTLE SEASON
UNTIL THEIR FELLOWSERVANTS...SHOULD BE KILLED-Rev 6:11, shows the two
groups. The second group appears in Rev 20:4. As already stated, some
believe both groups are killed during the "Great Tribulation";
others believe the first group are killed during part one, and the second
group are killed during part two of the Tribulation.

It is interesting to note the resemblance
between the first five seals and Mt 24.

Seal one

The Antichrist.

Mt 24:5

False Christs.

Seal two

War.

Mt 24:6,7

Wars and rumors of wars, nation against
nation.

Seal three

Famine.

Mt 24:7

Famines.

Seal four

Death.

Mt 24:7

Pestilences and earthquakes.

All these are the beginning of
sorrows.

Mt 24:8

Seal five

Martyrdom.

Mt 24:9

Martyrdom.

The martyrdom, in Mt 24:9, begins in the
first part of the Tribulation before the abomination of desolation.

THE TIMING OF THE SEVEN
SEALS,
SEVEN TRUMPETS, AND SEVEN VIALS1798-5A-5

Jesus is about to return; Armageddon is
about to explode.

Regarding the seven seals, the seven trumpets,
and the seven vials of the Revelation, the following information is given.

All Bible scholars seem to agree that
the second seal follows the first, and the third follows the second, etc.
The same holds true for the trumpets and vials. All seem to agree that
the seven vials are during the second part of the Tribulation, culminating
with the Battle of Armageddon.

However, there are two opinions pertaining
to when some of the seals and trumpets occur. These differences in opinion
can affect the understanding of what seal six and seven
may represent, as well as some of the trumpets.

It is generally accepted by most scholars
(but not all) that the first trumpet is introduced by the seventh seal.
Thus, the seven trumpets follow the seventh seal, and the seven vials
follow the seventh trumpet. This is also what is taught in many Bible
schools. It is generally acknowledged by most Bible scholars that the
first seal (the Antichrist coming forth) occurs just prior to the Tribulation;
he must first come forth before he can confirm the covenant, in Dan 9:27,
which begins the Tribulation.

(The Seven Seals)1799A-5A-5

There have been certain Bible scholars
that have carefully examined the precise wording of the seals, the trumpets,
and the vials. They have concluded that this opinion, regarding the seventh
seal introducing the first trumpet, is incorrect. Instead, some believe
that the next six seals cover the entire spectrum of the Tribulation and
the Battle of Armageddon.

Note, the Battle of Armageddon takes place
immediately after the Tribulation.

(The Seven Trumpets)1799B-5A-5

The seven trumpets are believed to begin
during the first part of the Tribulation. The first four trumpets help
to explain in much greater detail seal two, three, and four,
which are the great war, the famine, and the death of one-quarter of the
world's population. The trumpets also extend throughout the Tribulation
and culminate during Armageddon. The seventh trumpet follows immediately
after the seventh seal. Both are part of Armageddon.

(The Seven Vials or
Bowls)1799C-5A-5

The first vial is poured out during the
second part of the Tribulation. Therefore, it cannot be introduced by
the seventh trumpet, if the seventh trumpet is part of Armageddon. The
seven vials appear to cover the latter part of the second half of the
Tribulation, also culminating during the Battle of Armageddon. At the
approximate time of this battle, the seventh seal occurs first, followed
by the seventh trumpet; the seventh vial comes last.

After extensive research, comparing the
Word with the Word, and prayerfully considering the arguments for both
positions, and some others as well, this author takes the minority view
that, indeed, the seventh seal, seventh trumpet, and seventh vial are
all part of Armageddon. This author concludes that the second position
is the correct one.

Position one: majority
view

S1-Antichrist

T

S2-War

S3-Famine

r

S4-Death

S5-Martyrdom

i

S6-Great earthquake

S7-7 trumpets introduced

b

T1-Hail & fire

u

T2-1/3rd of sea-blood

T3-Wormwood
(Positioning of "the midst of the Tribulation," in relation
to the trumpets, varies somewhat between scholars.)

l

l T4-1/3rd of day & night
shone not

T5-1st woe: locusts

a

T6-2nd woe: 1/3rd mankind
killed

T7-3rd woe: announcement-kingdoms
of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord

t

V1-Sores

i

V2-Sea as blood

V3-Rivers & fountains blood

o

V4-Men scorched with great heat

V5-Darkness upon seat of the beast

n

V6-Euphrates dried up

V7-It is done: Armageddon-Jesus returns

Position two: minority
view

S1-Antichrist

T

S2-War
S3-Famine

T1-Hail & fire
T2-1/3rd of sea-blood T3-Wormwood

r

S4-Death

T4-1/3rd of day
& night shone not

i

S5-Martyrdom

b

u------------------------------------------
Midst of the Tribulation -------------------------------------------

T5-1st woe: locusts

l

V1-Sores

V2-Sea as blood

a

V3-Rivers & fountains
blood

V4-Men scorched with great
heat

t

V5-Darkness, seat of the
beast

T6-2nd woe: 1/3rd
mankind killed

V6-Euphrates dried up

i

S6-Great earthquake;
great day of His wrath is come

T6-2nd woe past

o

S7-Silence in heaven

T7-Begins: mystery of God finished

n

T7-3rd woe: announcement--Jesus
reigns

V7-It is done

6:12. AND
I BEHELD WHEN HE HAD OPENED (or broke) THE SIXTH SEAL, AND, LO, THERE
WAS A GREAT EARTHQUAKE; AND THE SUN BE-CAME BLACK AS SACKCLOTH OF HAIR
(or made of goat hair), AND THE (full) MOON BECAME AS BLOOD (red). Seal
6. Ref Acts 2:20; Joel 2:31. ET.

(Note, the seventh seal is Rev 8:1.)

6:12. AND
I BEHELD WHEN HE HAD OPENED (or broke)

THE SIXTH SEAL.
The first four horsemen came forth rapidly, but the fifth seal came later.
Now the sixth seal is opened.

AND, LO, THERE WAS

(1) A GREAT EARTHQUAKE; AND(2) THE SUN BECAMEBLACK AS SACKCLOTH
OF HAIR (or made of goat hair),AND(3) THE (full) MOONBECAME AS BLOOD (red).

Acts 2:20 is clearly describing the approach
of the Battle of Armageddon. Now, note the words of Acts 2:20, THE
SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE
THAT GREAT AND NOTABLE DAY OF THE LORD COME.

Next note the words, in Rev 6:12-THE SUN
BECAME BLACK AS SACKCLOTH OF HAIR, AND THE MOON BECAME AS
BLOOD. Clearly, both verses are referring to the same time period.

Joel 2:31 is also describing the approach
of Armageddon. Note the words, THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS,
AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND THE TERRIBLE
DAY OF THE LORD COME. Again, the wording is nearly identical. There is
little question that the sixth seal is, indeed, describing the moments
leading up to Armageddon. This is further confirmed even more in the next
few verses.

6:13. AND THE STARS OF HEAVEN
FELL UNTO THE EARTH, EVEN AS A FIG TREE CASTETH (or drops) HER UNTIMELY
FIGS, WHEN SHE IS SHAKEN OF A MIGHTY (or strong) WIND. Ref Isa 34:4. ET.

6:13. AND
(4) THE STARS (or angels)

OF HEAVEN FELL UNTO THEEARTH, EVEN AS AFIG TREE CASTETH (or drops)HER UNTIMELY FIGS, WHEN SHE IS
SHAKEN OF AMIGHTY (or strong)WIND.

Clearly, Isa 34:4 is also describing the
sixth seal-the approach of Armageddon. AND ALL THEIR HOST SHALL FALL DOWN,
AS THE LEAF FALLETH OFF FROM THE VINE, AND AS A FALLING
FIG FROM THE FIG TREE-Isa 34:4. Again, note the similar wording.

6:14. AND THE HEAVEN (or sky)
DEPARTED (or receded) AS A SCROLL WHEN IT IS ROLLED TOGETHER (or rolled
up); AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND WERE MOVED OUT OF (or from) THEIR PLACES.
Ref Isa 34:4. ET.

AND(6) EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND WEREMOVED
OUT OF (or from)THEIR PLACES. As Armageddon
approaches, there is a catastrophic earthquake, and the heavens roll together
as a scroll, and every mountain and island are moved.

Once again, compare the words in Rev 6:13,14
with Isa 34:4. It is very evident that both refer to the same time period-the
approach of Armageddon. AND THE HEAVENS (or sky) SHALL BE ROLLED
TOGETHER AS A SCROLL-Isa 34:4.

As we continue with these verses, remember,
they are describing the time just before Jesus returns at Armageddon.
Up to this point, people were confident that the one occupying the temple
in Jerusalem (the Antichrist) was God. They had taken his mark and worshiped
the image of the beast. The two prophets of God had just risen from the
dead and ascended into heaven. The people are terrified, and some may
now realize they have chosen the Antichrist over the true Christ. Some
are so fearful of what is about to come that they will have heart attacks
and fall over dead.

6:15. AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH,
AND THE GREAT MEN (or princes), AND THE RICH MEN, AND THE CHIEF CAPTAINS
(or generals), AND THE MIGHTY MEN, AND EVERY BONDMAN (or slave), AND EVERY
FREE MAN, HID THEMSELVES IN THE DENS (or caves) AND IN THE ROCKS OF THE
MOUNTAINS. ET.

6:15. AND
THE KINGS OF THE EARTH. These reigned over men, but now all their
earthly authority will do them no good.

AND THE GREAT MEN
(or princes),AND THE RICH MEN, all
their money will do them no good at this time,

(7) ANDTHE CHIEF CAPTAINS
(or generals), all their authority over the military will do them no good
at this time,

AND THE MIGHTY MEN, AND EVERY BONDMAN (or slave),ANDEVERY FREE
MAN, HID THEMSELVES IN THE DENS (or caves)

AND INTHE ROCKS OF THEMOUNTAINS. Here are the most powerful men
on earth as well as the slaves-fearful, terrified, and trying to hide.

6:16. AND SAID (or called) TO
THE MOUNTAINS AND ROCKS, FALL ON US, AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF HIM
THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE WRATH (or fury) OF THE LAMB.
ET.

6:16. (8)
They SAID (or called)

TO THE MOUNTAINS AND ROCKS, FALL ON
US, AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE (God the Father),

ANDFROM
THE WRATH (or fury)OF THE LAMB (which
is Jesus). Jesus came the first time as the Lamb of God, to give His life
a ransom for many. His forgiveness and mercy have been available to all
that would open the door of their heart and receive it by faith. Now,
however, He returns as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He comes with wrath
and fury against those that refused His forgiveness and mercy. The two
prophets of God had been telling people what was going to happen, but
they were not believed. As a result of their resurrection, the people
who see it now appear to understand and are terrified. As already stated,
the items (numbered 1 to 8) represent the eight events surrounding the
sixth seal.

6:17. FOR
THE GREAT DAY OF HIS (or their) WRATH IS COME; AND WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO
STAND? Ref Isa 2:10,19,21. ET.

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY AND
FOUR THOUSAND SEALED1801-5A-5

6:17. THE
GREAT DAY OF HIS (or their)

WRATH IS COME; AND WHO SHALL BE ABLETO STAND? That great day, which is covered by numerous
verses, is the Battle of Armageddon. They know that Jesus is about to
return and Armageddon is about to explode. They know that their future
is sealed-hell and the lake of fire await them. Once they took the mark
and worshiped the image, there was no forgiveness, no repenting, no hope.

As it is written, referring to the period
just before Armageddon, ENTER INTO THE ROCK, AND HIDE THEE IN THE DUST,
FOR FEAR OF THE LORD, AND FOR THE GLORY OF HIS MAJESTY. AND THEY SHALL
GO INTO THE HOLES OF THE ROCKS, AND INTO THE CAVES OF THE EARTH, FOR FEAR
OF THE LORD, AND FOR THE GLORY OF HIS MAJESTY, WHEN HE ARISETH TO SHAKE
TERRIBLY THE EARTH. TO GO INTO THE CLEFTS OF THE ROCKS, AND INTO THE TOPS
OF THE RAGGED ROCKS, FOR FEAR OF THE LORD, AND FOR THE GLORY OF HIS MAJESTY,
WHEN HE ARISETH TO SHAKE TERRIBLY THE EARTH-Isa 2:10,19,21. Note, these
verses are in perfect harmony with Rev 6:15-17. As Jesus returns, He shall
shake terribly the earth, which is also illustrated in other verses.

As we have seen in Rev 6 and other verses,
there is little doubt that seal six represents the time period
just prior to Jesus returning at Armageddon.

The seventh seal does not come forth until
Rev 8:1. This plainly shows that not all of the Revelation is written
in chronological order; other events, out of sequence, are often interjected.

7:1. AND AFTER THESE THINGS
I SAW FOUR ANGELS STANDING ON (or at) THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH, HOLDING
THE FOUR WINDS OF THE EARTH, THAT THE WIND SHOULD NOT BLOW ON THE EARTH,
NOR ON THE SEA, NOR ON ANY TREE (or to prevent any wind from blowing-NIV).
T1.

7:1. AND
AFTER THESE THINGSI SAW. This does not say that the next items
happened after the seals, but, rather, John saw them after the first six
seals. John saw

FOURANGELS
STANDING ON (or at)THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH,
representing all four directions,

HOLDING THE FOUR WINDS OF THE EARTH.
No specific information is given about these angels, other than they are
controlling the wind.

THAT THE WIND SHOULD NOT BLOW ON THE
EARTH, NOR ON THE SEA, NOR ON ANY TREE (or
to prevent any wind from blowing-NIV). Prior to the servants of God being
sealed in or on their foreheads, all wind on the planet shall cease.

7:2. AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL
ASCENDING (or coming up) FROM THE EAST, HAVING THE SEAL OF THE LIVING
GOD: AND HE CRIED (or shouted) WITH A LOUD VOICE TO THE FOUR ANGELS, TO
WHOM IT WAS GIVEN TO HURT THE EARTH AND THE SEA. T1.

7:2. AND
I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL ASCENDING (or coming up)

FROM THE EAST,HAVING THE SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD: (this is covered below)

AND HE CRIED
(or shouted)WITH A LOUD VOICE TO THE FOUR ANGELS, TO WHOM
IT WAS GIVEN TO HURT THE EARTH AND THE SEA,

NEITHER THE SEA, NOR THE TREES, TILL
WE (note, plural)HAVE SEALED THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD IN (or on)

THEIR FOREHEADS.
The fifth angel is not identified. Some believe it could be Jesus. The
Scriptures indicate that, once the servants of God are sealed, great hurt
or damage will come forth from the four winds of the earth. Evidently,
a great catastrophe will occur affecting the land, sea, and trees. This
would suggest that this sealing of God's servants may come just prior
to the Russian invasion of Israel and that they will be protected from
what is about to come. God's wrath is about to be unleashed; however,
it has been foreordained that certain servants of God will be protected.
It is presumed that these become saved at this point. Nevertheless, this
is not made clear. God (by His foreknowledge of knowing who will be saved)
will protect future saints, even though they have not yet given their
life to Jesus. He has specific works ordained for them to do at some later
date. The kind of seal that will be used, or if they will even be aware
of the seal, is not specified. Obviously, it is to protect them and may
be necessary for the work that they are called of God to do. The seal
may also be a sign of ownership. Many believe it is the seal of the Holy
Spirit with no visible evidence; however, it is visible to the spiritual
realm.

What shall they preach? THIS GOSPEL OF
THE KINGDOM SHALL BE PREACHED IN ALL THE WORLD FOR A WITNESS UNTO ALL
NATIONS; AND THEN SHALL THE END COME-Mt 24:14. This is shown to be during
the first part of the Tribulation, in Mt 24.

7:4. AND I HEARD THE NUMBER
OF THEM WHICH WERE SEALED: AND THERE WERE SEALED AN HUNDRED AND FORTY
AND FOUR THOUSAND (144,000) OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
T1.

7:4. AND I HEARD THE NUMBER
OF THEM WHICH WERE SEALED: AND THERE WERE SEALED AN HUNDRED AND FORTY
AND FOUR THOUSAND (144,000) OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
These that are sealed are Jews. In both the Old and New Testaments, the
terms Jew and Israel are used interchangeably in reference
to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

7:5. OF THE TRIBE OF JUDA (Judah,
Y'hudah) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. OF THE TRIBE OF REUBEN (Re'uven)
WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. OF THE TRIBE OF GAD WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND.
T1.

7:6. OF
THE TRIBE OF ASER (Asher) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. OF THE TRIBE OF
NEP-THALIM (Naphtali, Naftali) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. OF THE TRIBE
OF MANASSES (Manasseh, M'nasheh) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. T1.

7:7. OF
THE TRIBE OF SIMEON (Shim'on) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. OF THE TRIBE
OF LEVI (L'vi) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOU-SAND. OF THE TRIBE OF ISSACHAR
(Yissass'khar) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. T1.

7:8. OF
THE TRIBE OF ZABULON (Zebulun, Z'vulun) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. OF
THE TRIBE OF JOSEPH (Yosef) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. OF THE TRIBE
OF BENJAMIN (Binyamin) WERE SEALED TWELVE THOUSAND. Ref Rev 14:4,5; Mt
24:14; Gen 49:17. T1.

A GREAT MULTITUDE
BEFORE THE THRONE1802-5A-5

7:5-8. Twelve
thousand were sealed out of each of the twelve tribes of the children
of Israel. These tribes included:

1. JUDA
2. REUBEN
3. GAD

4. ASER

5. NEPTHALIM

6. MANASSES

7. SIMEON

8. LEVI

9. ISSACHAR

10. ZABULON

11. JOSEPH

12. BENJAMIN

Obviously missing is the tribe of Dan.
Some speculate that the Antichrist will come from this tribe. As a result,
during the Tribulation, Dan is omitted; no one from this tribe is sealed-ref
Gen 49:17. During the Millennium, however, the tribe of Dan will be included
among the children of Israel. Ephraim, the second born son of Joseph,
is also missing. The names of Joseph and Levi were used in place of those
omitted. It is recorded that Jeroboam set up two calves of gold. 1 Ki
12:29-AND HE SET THE ONE IN BETHEL, AND THE OTHER PUT HE IN DAN. The tribes
of Ephraim and Dan allowed him to do so. Some believe this is why none
of the 144,000 come from these two tribes.

These Jews are virgins, thus single. There
is no lie in their mouth at all-ref Rev 14:4,5. They will go forth to
preach the Gospel of the kingdom-ref Mt 24:14.

This group has no connection with the
144,000 male, virgin Jews.

7:9. AFTER THIS I BEHELD, AND,
LO, A GREAT MULTITUDE (or a huge crowd), WHICH NO MAN COULD NUMBER (or
too large for anyone to count-JNT133), OF ALL NATIONS, AND
KINDREDS (or tribe), AND PEOPLE, AND TONGUES (or language), STOOD BEFORE
(or in front of) THE THRONE, AND BEFORE (or in front of) THE LAMB, CLOTHED
WITH (or dressed, or wearing) WHITE ROBES, AND PALMS (or palm branches)
IN THEIR HANDS. T2, H.

7:9. AFTER
THIS I BEHELD, AND, LO, A GREAT MULTITUDE (or a huge crowd),

WHICH NO MAN COULD NUMBER (or too large for anyone to count-JNT133),

OF ALL NATIONS, AND KINDREDS (or tribes),AND PEOPLE, AND TONGUES
(or languages),

STOOD BEFORE
(or in front of)THE THRONE, AND BEFORE
(or in front of)THE LAMB (which is
Jesus),

During the second part of the Tribulation
(the Great Tribulation), a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people,
and language on earth, now stand before the throne and before Jesus, clothed
with the garments of righteousness (the white robes). They may have been
saved through the preaching of the 144,000 and then possibly martyred
by having their head cut off. (Note, Rev 14:1-5.)

7:10. AND CRIED (or shouted)
WITH A LOUD VOICE, SAYING, SALVATION (or victory) (belongs) TO OUR GOD
WHICH SITTETH UPON THE THRONE, AND UNTO THE LAMB. T2, H.

WHICH SITTETH UPON THE THRONE, AND
UNTOTHE LAMB. Both the Father and the
Lamb (Jesus) are being exalted by this multitude.

7:11. AND ALL THE ANGELS STOOD
ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE, AND ABOUT THE ELDERS AND THE FOUR BEASTS, AND
FELL (down) BEFORE THE THRONE ON THEIR FACES, AND WORSHIPED GOD. Ref Rev
12:11; 6:9,11. T2, H.

7:11. AND
ALL THE ANGELS STOOD ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE, AND ABOUT THEELDERS AND THE FOUR BEASTS, AND FELL (down)

BEFORE THE THRONE ON THEIR FACES,
AND WORSHIPED GOD. It appears their martyrdom
has resulted in glorious victory, as this great multitude

OVERCAME HIM
(the adversary)BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB
(Jesus),

AND BY THE WORD OFTHEIR TESTIMONY; AND THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH-Rev
12:11. Thus, it has now turned into a great time of worshiping God.

The fifth seal might be remembered,
I SAW...THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE SLAIN FOR THE WORD OF GOD...AND IT
WAS SAID UNTO THEM, THAT THEY SHOULD REST...UNTIL THEIR FELLOWSERVANTS
ALSO AND THEIR BRETHREN, THAT SHOULD BE KILLED AS THEY WERE, SHOULD BE
FULFILLED-Rev 6:9,11. The fifth seal had made reference to those that
would be slain later on in the Tribulation. This may be the group that
would be slain later.

Note, in Rev 7:9, it is written, A GREAT
MULTITUDE. Then, in v.11, this multitude is apparently referred to as
angels.

(Note part 5A-2, "The Revelation
Worship.") Again, this great multitude now seems full of joy as they
give praise and honor to God.

7:13. AND ONE OF THE ELDERS
ANSWERED (or asked me), SAYING UNTO ME, WHAT ARE THESE WHICH ARE ARRAYED
IN WHITE ROBES? AND WHENCE CAME THEY (or who are they, and where did they
come from-NIV)? T2, H.

7:13. AND
ONE OF THE ELDERS ANSWERED (or asked me),

SAYING UNTO ME, WHATARE THESE WHICH ARE ARRAYED IN WHITE ROBES? AND WHENCE CAME THEY
(or who are they, and where did they come from-NIV)?

7:14. AND I SAID UNTO HIM, SIR,
THOU KNOWEST (or you know). AND HE SAID TO ME, THESE ARE THEY WHICH CAME
OUT OF (the) GREAT TRIBULATION (or Great Persecution), AND (they) HAVE
WASHED THEIR ROBES, AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. Ref
Rev 14:13; 20:4; T2, H.

7:14. AND
I SAID UNTO HIM, SIR, THOU KNOWEST (or you know).

AND HE SAID TOME, THESE ARE THEY WHICH CAME OUT OF (the)GREAT TRIBULATION
(or Great Persecution),

AND (they)HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES,
AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THEBLOOD OF THE LAMB (which is Jesus).
These people were not raptured, as they did not believe; or, at best,
they were lukewarm (or nominal, or "so called") Christians.
During the Tribulation, the Holy Spirit opened up their understanding,
and they believed God's Word. They took a stand for Jesus. When the time
came that they were to take the mark of the beast, they did not do it.
When they were to worship the image of the beast, they did not. Because
of their unwavering faith in Jesus, they were apparently martyred and
came out of the Great Tribulation (the second part)-ref Mt 24:21. Their
robes were washed and became spotless through the blood of Jesus.

As it is written, BLESSED ARE THE DEAD
WHICH DIE IN THE LORD FROM HENCEFORTH: YEA, SAITH THE SPIRIT, THAT THEY
MAY REST FROM THEIR LABOURS; AND THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM-Rev 14:13.
(And) I SAW THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE BEHEADED FOR THE WITNESS OF JESUS,
AND FOR THE WORD OF GOD, AND WHICH HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST, NEITHER
HIS IMAGE, NEITHER HAD RECEIVED HIS MARK UPON THEIR FOREHEADS, OR IN THEIR
HANDS-Rev 20:4. The verse ends by showing what they shall be doing during
the Millennium, AND THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST A THOUSAND YEARS.

7:15. THEREFORE ARE THEY BEFORE
THE THRONE OF GOD, AND SERVE HIM DAY AND NIGHT IN HIS TEMPLE: AND HE THAT
SITTETH ON THE THRONE SHALL DWELL AMONG THEM (or spread His tent over
them-NIV). Ref Rev 4:8; 12:10; 14:13; 6:11; Jn 1:51 H, T2, FE.

7:15. This
multitude remained faithful and came out of the Great Tribulation,

THEREFORE ARE THEY BEFORE THE THRONE
OF GOD, AND SERVE HIM DAY AND NIGHT IN HIS TEMPLE: AND HE THAT SITTETH
ON THE THRONE SHALL DWELL AMONG THEM (or spread
His tent over them-NIV).

The term day and night is not used,
regarding New Jerusalem, as there shall be no night there-ref Rev 21:25;
however, it is used twice regarding before the throne in heaven-ref Rev
4:8; 12:10.

7:16. THEY SHALL HUNGER NO MORE
(or never again will they hunger-NIV), NEITHER THIRST ANY MORE; NEITHER
SHALL THE SUN LIGHT ON THEM (or beat down on them), NOR (will) ANY (burning
or scorching) HEAT. FE.

7:16. THEY
SHALL HUNGER NO MORE (or never again will they hunger-NIV),

NEITHER THIRSTANY MORE; NEITHER SHALL THE SUN LIGHT ON THEM (or beat down on
them),

NOR (will)ANY (burning or scorching)HEAT.

7:17. FOR THE LAMB WHICH IS
IN (or at) THE MIDST (or center) OF THE THRONE (will be their shepherd;
He-NIV) SHALL FEED THEM, AND SHALL LEAD THEM UNTO (springs of) LIVING
FOUNTAINS OF WATERS: AND GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES.
Ref 2 Tim 2:12.

THE SEVENTH SEAL
SILENCE IN HEAVEN

1804-5A-5

7:17. FOR
THE LAMB (which is Jesus)

WHICH IS IN
(or at)THE MIDST (or center)
OF THE THRONE (will be their shepherd; He-NIV)

SHALL FEED THEM, AND SHALL LEAD THEMUNTO (springs of)

LIVING FOUNTAINS OF WATERS: AND GOD
SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES.

This great multitude of saints are now
comforted and full of joy. Nevertheless, for the sake of Jesus, their
suffering and persecution was great during the Tribulation. As it is written,
IF WE SUFFER, WE SHALL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM-2 Tim 2:12.

WHERE ARE THE VERSES
ON "THE GREAT
MULTITUDE" TAKING PLACE, AND WHEN?1803-5A-5

There are two viewpoints regarding these
verses on the "great multitude." Some say that the scene before
the throne of God takes place on the earth during the Millennium. They
maintain that these saints were saved during the Tribulation and survived.
They would have been judged at the judgment of the nations and then entered
the Millennium.

The other position is that the entire
scene takes place before the heavenly throne. These are martyred saints
that came out of the Great Tribulation. Both positions appear to have
some validity in the Scriptures. Example, it is never mentioned that the
saints are martyred. Nothing is mentioned about them being killed for
the Word of God. Also, Rev 7:15 could be referring to the earthly temple
during the Millennium.

We need to examine each verse and see
if, by God's mercy, we may have the answer. Rev 7:9 refers to a great
multitude that no man can number. They are standing before the throne
and the Lamb. No mention is made of how they got there, if they were martyred,
or what throne it is.

Rev 7:10 uses these words, GOD WHICH SITTETH
UPON THE THRONE, AND UNTO THE LAMB. Both the Father and the Son
seem to be present; therefore, it has to be the heavenly throne. If only
the Son is present, it would indicate the millennial throne.

Rev 7:11 speaks of the four living beings
and the twenty-four elders. Nowhere else in the Bible are these pictured
around the throne of Jesus, on earth, during the Millennium. Nevertheless,
it is possible that these twenty-four elders may be with Jesus in His
millennial temple, as they may represent the church. Regarding the four
living creatures around the throne of God in heaven, the Bible does not
specify whether or not they will follow Jesus to the earth during the
millennial reign.

Rev 7:12 shows praise being given and
then the words, OUR GOD. Just one is mentioned. Thus far, the evidence
seems to lean toward this being in heaven; however, the possibility of
the millennial throne has not been completely ruled out.

Rev 7:13 asks the question, "Who
are they?"

Rev 7:14 gives the answer, THEY WHICH
CAME OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION. No mention is made of being martyred. The
verse indicates they came "out" of the Great Tribulation, rather
than through it. Nevertheless, they may have gone through it and survived.

Rev 7:15-THEREFORE ARE THEY BEFORE THE
THRONE OF GOD, AND SERVE HIM DAY AND NIGHT IN HIS TEMPLE: AND HE THAT
SITTETH ON THE THRONE SHALL DWELL AMONG THEM (or spread His tent over
them-NIV). The question is, where is this throne? Some have said that
it has to be on earth, because of the words, DAY AND NIGHT. Yet these
words are used regarding the heavenly throne, in Rev 4:8 and 12:10. They
are not used regarding New Jerusalem; however, New Jerusalem is not an
issue here. Thus, this argument would not seem to apply.

The question, (1) could this countless
multitude of saints, who survived the Tribulation, be before the earthly
throne of Jesus in the temple during the Millennium? Consider, could millions
of people fit inside the temple, on earth, to serve Jesus day and night
in Jerusalem? The answer appears to be no. (2) Will the saints that survive
the Great Tribulation and appear at the judgment of the nations be marrying
and repopulating the earth during the Millennium? or will they be before
the throne of God day and night serving Him? The answer is, they will
be repopulating the earth. (3) Will they be given white robes at the judgment
of the nations? There is no record that such robes are given at this judgment,
unless they are symbolic. The answers to each of these questions indicate
it is not possible that this temple and throne are on earth. On the other
hand, will these saints be before the throne of God in heaven, serving
Him day and night? or will they be resting from their labors, worshiping
Him and observing God's judgments taking place? Rev 6:11 and 14:13 refer
to rest.

Rev 7:16 says, NEITHER SHALL THE SUN LIGHT
ON THEM. If v.16 is deemed a millennial verse, the following needs to
be considered. During the Millennium, God's Word says, THE LIGHT OF THE
SUN SHALL BE SEVENFOLD, AS THE LIGHT OF SEVEN DAYS-Isa 30:26. (4) Again,
this verse suggests that the temple and throne, referred to in Rev 7,
cannot be on earth. The (5) HEAT mentioned, in v.16, also implies this
is not the millennial throne and temple.

Both verse 16 and 17, almost seem as if
they could have shifted to another time period, such as New Jerusalem,
yet they may be in heaven, also.

After carefully considering each item,
it seems there is little question that this is a heavenly scene of martyred
saints. This leaves us with the question, why doesn't the Bible say these
were martyred? The answer is unclear. It appears to be one of many things
that the Lord has chosen not to reveal at this time.

It seems that two thrones are mentioned
in these verses, which should help us understand the confusion. The heavenly
throne is covered in Rev 7:9-14, but then John is given a view of the
earthly temple and throne during the Millennium. The martyred saints that
were before the heavenly throne are now pictured before the earthly throne
of Jesus, in Rev 7:15, serving Him day and night in their new bodies.
It is written, Jn 1:51-AND HE SAITH UNTO HIM, VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO
YOU, HEREAFTER YE SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN, AND THE ANGELS OF GOD ASCENDING
AND DESCENDING UPON THE SON OF MAN.

The conclusion. There would seem to be
no question that Rev 7:9-14 takes place in heaven during the Great Tribulation
and the great multitude are martyred saints. Rev 7:15 may take place on
earth, during the Millennium, with the martyred saints serving Him day
and night. Verses 16 and 17 appear to cover eternity.

8:1. AND
WHEN HE HAD OPENED (or broke) THE SEVENTH SEAL, THERE WAS SILENCE IN HEAVEN
ABOUT THE SPACE OF (or what seemed like) HALF AN HOUR. Seal 7.

(Note, the sixth seal began at Rev 6:12.)
H, A.

THE SEVEN
TRUMPETS GIVEN1805-5A-5

8:1. AND
WHEN HE HAD OPENED (or broke)

THE SEVENTH SEAL
(Jesus breaks the seventh seal),

THERE WAS SILENCE IN HEAVEN ABOUT
THE SPACE OF (or what seemed like)

HALF AN HOUR.
There is much controversy about the seventh seal. Some say it is "silence
in heaven." Others say the seventh seal is the introduction of the
seven trumpets. They maintain that the seven trumpets follow the seven
seals, and the seven vials (or bowls) follow the seven trumpets. (Note,
this topic has already been covered under the heading of "The Timing
of the Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets, and Seven Vials," in part 1798-5A-5.)
This author takes the position that the seventh seal is "silence
in heaven." The seventh seal follows the sixth seal, which is at
the end of the Tribulation. The seventh seal is approximately at the beginning
of the Battle of Armageddon. There is silence. The great and terrible
day of the Lord is at hand.

With the opening or breaking of the seventh
seal, the contents of the full scroll can now be revealed.

8:2. AND
I SAW THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH STOOD BEFORE GOD; AND TO THEM WERE GIVEN
SEVEN TRUMPETS (or shofars). Ref Rev 1:20; 8:6; 15:1,6,7,8; 16:1; 17:1;
21:9. H, T1.

THE PRAYERS OF
THE SAINTS1806-5A-5

8:2. John
next relates that he

SAW THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH STOOD BEFORE
GOD. These seven angels are not identified.
The words SEVEN ANGELS are also mentioned in Rev 1:20; 8:6; 15:1,6,7,8;
16:1; 17:1; and 21:9. John sees that

TO THEM WERE GIVEN SEVEN TRUMPETS (or shofars). John did not say that the giving of the
seven trumpets was part of or followed the seventh seal. Rather, he is
relating events as he saw them, but not necessarily in the order that
they occurred. Some do not follow the previous event.

8:3. AND ANOTHER ANGEL CAME AND
STOOD AT THE ALTAR, HAVING A GOLDEN CENSER (or gold incense-bowl);
AND THERE WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM MUCH INCENSE, THAT HE SHOULD
OFFER IT WITH (or add to) THE PRAYERS OF ALL SAINTS UPON
THE GOLDEN ALTAR WHICH WAS BEFORE THE THRONE. Ref Jn 15:16;
1 Ki 7:50; 2 Chr 4:22; Rev 5:8. H, T1.

8:3. AND
ANOTHER ANGEL CAME (an eighth one). Some have identified this angel
as being Jesus, since only He can offer the prayers of the saints before
the Father. It is written, THAT WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK OF THE FATHER
IN MY NAME, HE MAY GIVE IT YOU-Jn 15:16.

John saw the angel who STOOD AT THE
ALTAR, HAVING A GOLDEN CENSER (or gold incense-bowl)-ref 1
Ki 7:50; 2 Chr 4:22. Rev 8:3,5 are the only references to a censer in
the Revelation.

AND THERE WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM (the angel)MUCH INCENSE, THAT HE SHOULD OFFER IT
WITH (or add to)

THE PRAYERS OF ALL SAINTS.
The prayers of saints are also described, in Rev 5:8, as odors (or pieces
of incense) in golden vials. John sees the incense and prayers of the
saints

UPON THE GOLDEN ALTAR WHICH
WAS BEFORE THE THRONE.

8:4. AND THE SMOKE
OF THE INCENSE, WHICH CAME WITH THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS,
ASCENDED UP BEFORE GOD OUT OF THE ANGEL'S HAND. Ref incense-Ps
141:2. H, T1.

8:4. AND THE SMOKE OF
THE INCENSE, WHICH CAME WITH THE PRAYERS OFTHE SAINTS,
ASCENDED UP BEFORE GOD OUT OF THE ANGEL'S HAND. Some believe
that these prayers are calling for God's intervention or for His return.
The golden altar, the much incense, and the golden censer reminds us of
worship in the Old Testament. There was the offering of incense upon the
altar of incense in both the tabernacle and the temple. The coals were
held by the censer, and the incense was poured upon the coals from a separate
vessel once the altar was reached. The smoke could be reminiscent of prayers
ascending up before God.

8:5. AND
THE ANGEL TOOK THE CENSER (or incense-bowl), AND FILLED
IT WITH FIRE OF (or from) THE ALTAR, AND CAST (or hurled)
IT (down) INTO (or on) THE EARTH: AND THERE WERE (or came) VOICES (or
rumblings), AND THUNDERINGS, AND LIGHTNINGS, AND AN EARTHQUAKE. T1.

THE FIRST TRUMPET ONE-THIRD
OF THE TREES AND ALL GREEN GRASS BURNT UP1807-5A-5

8:5. AND
THE ANGEL TOOK THE CENSER (or incense-bowl),

AND FILLED IT WITHFIRE OF (or from)THE ALTAR. Fire
is also mentioned in trumpet one and two. Fire may represent the anger
of the Lord toward the multitudes that have refused the forgiveness Jesus
offered. The angel

VOICES
(or rumblings), AND THUNDERINGS, AND LIGHTNINGS,
AND ANEARTHQUAKE. Similar wording is
used, in Rev 11:19, during the seventh trumpet. As a result of the fire
from the altar being hurled to the earth, voices, and thunderings, and
lightnings, and an earthquake will take place. This may slightly precede
the first trumpet.

The first four trumpets explain, in much
greater detail, seal two (the red horse), which is the Russian invasion
of Israel, and the aftereffects, which are seal three (the black horse-famine)
and seal four (the pale horse-death).

Here, in verses 3-5, the prayers of the
saints appear to be placed after the introduction of the seven trumpets,
but before the first one sounded. Should this be the correct timing, then
these prayers could be slightly after the prayers of Rev 5:8. This could
place them around the time of seal two, near the beginning of the
Tribulation. Some might say that the sounding of the trumpets are the
result of the prayers of the saints.

8:6. AND THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH
HAD THE SEVEN TRUMPETS (or shofars) PREPARED THEMSELVES TO SOUND (them).
T1.

8:6. AND
THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH HAD THE SEVEN TRUMPETS (or shofars)

PREPARED THEMSELVES TO SOUND (them).

As the following items are studied, they
need to be viewed from John's perspective. How would John describe jet
airplanes? How would he describe a tank? How would he describe a nuclear
attack with missiles raining down upon the earth?

Seal two
was the red horse, representing war. Hence, a worldwide famine followed,
which was seal three. One-fourth of the world's population died,
which was seal four (death). The trumpets help us to understand
these things in more detail.

Until the nuclear age began, the first
four trumpet judgments would appear to have been impossible to understand.
But now, with the introduction of such weapons as deadly gas, missiles,
lasers, the atom bomb, the hydrogen bomb, the neutron bomb, and others,
these verses come to life with new meaning.

8:7. THE FIRST ANGEL SOUNDED (his
shofar or trumpet), AND THERE FOLLOWED (or came) HAIL AND FIRE MINGLED
(or mixed) WITH BLOOD, AND THEY WERE CAST (or hurled down) UPON THE EARTH
(and a third of the earth was burned up-NASB): AND THE THIRD PART OF TREES
WAS BURNT UP, AND ALL GREEN GRASS WAS BURNT UP. Trumpet 1. Ref Ezek 38:22;
39:24; Rev 6:3,4. T1.

THE SECOND TRUMPETONE-THIRD OF THE SEA BECAME BLOOD ONE-THIRD OF THE SEA CREATURES DIED,
ONE-THIRD OF THE SHIPS WERE DESTROYED1809A-5A-5

8:7. THE
FIRST ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet),

AND THERE FOLLOWED
(or came)HAIL, which may be
hailstones or missiles raining down upon the earth.

AND FIREMINGLED (or mixed)WITH BLOOD. The hail
and fire may well represent a nuclear exchange between Russia and the
United States. The blood may represent the masses of dead bodies. This
nuclear exchange may arise from the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel. We
may be reminded of the great fireball and heat that results from a nuclear
explosion and the multitude of fires that would occur. Blood would be
a result. Hail and fire are also mentioned in Ex 9:23.

The hail and fire mixed with bloodWERE CAST (or hurled
down)UPON THE EARTH (and
a third of the earth was burned up-NASB)

AND THE THIRD PART OF TREES WAS BURNT
UP. As the result of such an exchange, one-third
of all trees on planet Earth were burnt up or destroyed. This may also
denote that one-third of the world will be directly involved in the war.
If one would consider all the nations involved in this conflict, as listed
in Ezekiel chapter 38, and add in the United States, it would appear to
be exactly one-third of the land surface of the earth. This, in itself,
is an incredible prophecy.

The verse continues,

AND ALL GREEN GRASS WAS BURNT UP.
In the aftermath of such a nuclear exchange and the resulting radioactive
fallout, all green grass was burnt up or destroyed over the entire earth.
Consider, what it would be like, if all farm crops worldwide were destroyed.
There would be a famine and starvation, such as the world could not imagine.
Places like Africa, China, and India would see countless people starve.
The entire world would be hard hit. Food prices would soar. It would take
a day's wages to buy a day's worth of food. There is also a similarity
between this verse and Ezek 38:22. Ref Rev 6:3,4-the red horse, war.

(Nuclear Weapons Today)
1808-5A-5

Few people today understand the power
of the nuclear weapons that exist. Consider the nuclear bombs that were
dropped in World War II. They were rated at about 20 kilotons (or 20 thousand
tons) of TNT. Some of today's bombs are rated at about 50 megaton (or
50 million tons) of TNT. This is approximately 2500 times more powerful.
Imagine, a single bomb now being equal to 2500 World War II nuclear bombs!
One missile can carry many nuclear bombs at a time; each individual bomb
can be pinpointed to a distinct target as it descends to the earth. Both
Russia and the United States have enough of these weapons left that each
one could destroy all life on the earth several times. Can we comprehend
what will happen, when the United States and Russia unleash this destructive
force against each other in, what may be called, World War III?

When such a bomb explodes, immediately
there is a flash of light so intense that a person's eyes
can immediately be destroyed. The heat of the blast is so intense that
a person can be instantly fried like an egg. The resulting blast
is such that virtually nothing will be left standing within a certain
range, depending on the size of the bomb. This is followed by the reverse
blast coming back in toward the center.

Then there is the unseen radioactivity.
This is the silent killer. Within a certain range of the explosion, nothing
will live. As the cloud from the bomb rises high into the atmosphere,
it is full of radioactive fallout that rains down upon the earth as the
winds carry the cloud this way or that. This can continue for a long period
of time, resulting in radioactive poisoning of crops, bodies of water,
or any living thing in its path. It may be said, the crops will be burnt
up. Entire areas of land can be so poisoned from radioactivity, that no
one can safely dwell or plant crops there for many years to come.

The first four trumpets appear to be showing
us the results of such a nuclear exchange.

We can surmise that both Russia
and the United States may nearly destroy each other. For
this reason, there appears to be an absence of Scripture concerning the
United States during most of the Tribulation.

As already covered, trumpets one through
four appear to be dealing with the war and aftereffects of the war of
Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. This is the combined Russian-Arab invasion
of Israel.

8:8. AND THE SECOND ANGEL SOUNDED
(his shofar or trumpet), AND AS IT WERE (or what looked like) A GREAT
(or huge) MOUNTAIN BURNING WITH FIRE (or all ablaze) WAS CAST (or hurled)
INTO THE SEA: AND THE THIRD PART OF THE SEA BECAME (or turned into) BLOOD.
Trumpet 2.

8:8. AND
THE SECOND ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar, or trumpet). John then saw,

AS ITWERE
(or what looked like)A GREAT (or huge)MOUNTAIN BURNING WITH FIRE
(or all ablaze)

WAS CAST
(or hurled)INTO THE SEA. It is
not clear if the word sea represents the Mediterranean Sea or the
oceans of the world. A satellite or missile coming through the atmosphere
might fit the description of what John saw. Some speculate it is a comet
or asteroid. Others believe it could be a massive mountain falling into
the sea as a result of a huge volcanic eruption. Because of this huge
object being hurled into the sea, three things are described.

(1) AND THE THIRD PART OF THE SEA BECAME
(or turned into) BLOOD;

8:9. AND
THE THIRD PART OF THE CREATURES WHICH WERE IN THE SEA, AND HAD LIFE, DIED;
AND THE THIRD PART OF THE SHIPS WERE DESTROYED. Ref Rev 6:3,4. T1.

THE THIRD TRUMPET
THE STAR CALLED WORMWOOD ONE-THIRD OF THE RIVERS AND FOUNTAINS BECAME
BITTERMANY DIED1810-5A-5

8:9. (2)
AND THE THIRD PART OF THE CREATURES WHICH WERE IN THE SEA, AND HAD
LIFE, DIED;

(3) AND THE THIRD PART OF THE SHIPS
WERE DESTROYED. From this, it appears that not only will the war involve
one-third of the land surface of the world, but also one-third of the
seas or oceans. One-third of the world's ships might number more than
fifteen thousand (15,000).

Again, we need to try to understand what
John saw, in the context of what he would have understood in his day.
John saw a large object that appeared to be burning. It was cast into
the sea. This apparently came from above the sea, possibly from the sky.
As a result of this huge, burning object being hurled into the sea, one-third
of the sea became blood, one-third of the sea creatures died, and one-third
of the ships were destroyed. In view of today's technology, this could
be some kind of huge military weapon or accumulation of weapons, such
as missiles armed with nuclear devices entering the atmosphere. The purpose
may have been to destroy ships. This could have been part of the vast
Russian armada seeking to destroy U.S. vessels, including submarines,
and the United States responding by destroying Russia's ships. The end
result appears to be that one-third of the world's ships were destroyed
as well as one-third of the sea life-the sea became blood.

(Military Surveillance)
1809B-5A-5

Both Russia and the United States have
surveillance and listening devices in the oceans to detect and track enemy
vessels, including ships and submarines. Often they track many military
vessels. They sometimes follow each other. Satellites with extra sensitive
cameras and other devices are also taking pictures from space of things
both on land and sea; they can photograph very small objects on the earth
from hundreds of miles in space.

8:10. AND THE THIRD ANGEL SOUNDED
(his shofar or trumpet), AND THERE FELL A GREAT STAR FROM HEAVEN (or sky),
BURNING AS IT WERE A LAMP (or a torch), AND IT FELL (from the sky, or
heaven) UPON THE THIRD PART OF THE RIVERS, AND UPON THE FOUNTAINS (or
springs) OF WATERS. Trumpet 3. Ref Rev 6:3,4. T1.

8:10. AND
THE THIRD ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet),

AND THERE FELL AGREAT STAR FROM HEAVEN (or sky),

BURNING AS IT WERE A LAMP (or a torch). A missile or other military device, entering
the atmosphere, could resemble a "great star burning as a lamp"
or possibly a giant shooting star. John noted that IT FELL (from the sky
or heaven)

UPON THE THIRD PART OF THE RIVERS,
AND UPON THE FOUNTAINS (or springs)OF WATERS.

8:11. AND
THE NAME OF THE STAR IS CALLED WORMWOOD (or bitterness): AND THE THIRD
PART OF THE WATERS BECAME WORMWOOD (or bitter); AND MANY MEN (or people)
DIED OF THE WATERS, BECAUSE THEY WERE MADE BITTER. Ref Rev 6:7,8. T1.

THE FOURTH TRUMPET
ONE-THIRD OF THE SUN, MOON, AND STARS BECAME DARKENED1811-5A-5

8:11. AND
THE NAME OF THE STAR IS CALLED WORMWOOD (or bitterness): AND THE
THIRD PART OF THE WATERS BECAME WORMWOOD (or bitter); AND MANY
MEN (or people) DIED OF THE WATERS, BECAUSE THEY WERE MADE BITTER.

Again, some object or group of objects
are seen by John falling from the sky. As a result one-third of the rivers
and springs of waters become deadly or poisoned. Some believe this is
some kind of military weapon (or possibly combination of weapons) coming
down from the sky or even radioactive fallout from nuclear explosions.

Wormwood ("apsinthos" in Greek)
is mentioned twice in the New Testament and seven times in the Old Testament.
This word has been highly researched by Bible scholars.

One problem in understanding is that the
technology we have today would have been unknown to John. Therefore, no
word existed in his language to convey what these things were. In the
case of the name wormwood, as it is used in this instance, many
believe it is referring to radioactivity. Should this object cause the
rivers and springs to become radioactive, then they would be deadly to
people that drink them; indeed, many would die from the waters, as they
had become poisoned.

Again, these things help to explain, in
more detail, the war of Ezekiel 38 and 39 or what we call World War III.
Russia and certain Arab nations attack Israel with a great military armada.
God, however, will destroy five-sixths of the military force, and they
shall fall upon the mountains of Israel.

It also appears that a nuclear exchange
will take place between Russia and the United States. The next verse may
give us the actual length of time that this devastating exchange will
last. As a result of this war, one-fourth of the world's population will
die-ref Rev 6:7,8.

8:12. AND
THE FOURTH ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet), AND THE THIRD PART OF
THE SUN WAS SMITTEN (or struck), AND THE THIRD PART OF THE MOON, AND THE
THIRD PART OF THE STARS; SO AS THE THIRD PART OF THEM WAS DARKENED, AND
THE DAY SHONE NOT (or was without light) FOR A THIRD PART OF IT, AND THE
NIGHT LIKEWISE (or in the same way). Trumpet 4. Ref Rev 6:7,8. T1.

WOE, WOE, WOE, BY REASON
OF THE NEXT THREE TRUMPETS1813-5A-5

8:12. AND
THE FOURTH ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet),

AND THE THIRDPART OF THE SUN WAS SMITTEN (or struck),

AND THE THIRD PARTOF THE MOON, AND THE THIRD PART OF THE STARS. The terms "sun,
moon, and stars" would indicate all over the world. For when the
sun is shining on one side of the world, on the opposite side the stars
should be shining and possibly the moon. The term "one-third"
is explained next.

SO AS THE THIRD PART OF THEM WAS DARKENED,
AND THE DAY SHONE NOT (or was without light)

FOR A THIRD PART OF IT, AND THE NIGHT
LIKEWISE (or in the same way). This is showing
that one-third of the day and one-third of the night were darkened. Consider,
the day is approximately twelve hours long; the night is approximately
twelve hours long. One-third of the day equals four hours. One-third of
the night equals four hours. Put them together and they equal eight hours.
Therefore, we conclude that the nuclear exchange between Russia and the
United States will last eight hours. As a result of those eight hours,
seal four (which is death) will claim over one billion lives-ref
Rev 6:7,8. Death will claim one-fourth of the world's population. The
nuclear explosions, lasting for eight hours, will create a dense cloud
cover that may cause the sun, moon, and stars to all be darkened for eight
hours.

SUMMARY OF THE FIRST
FOUR TRUMPETS1812-5A-5

(What transpired)

Hail mixed with blood cast upon the
earth (trumpet 1)

Fire mixed with blood cast upon the
earth (trumpet 1)

What looked like a great mountain
burning with fire cast into the sea (trumpet 2)

Great star (Wormwood), burning as
a lamp, fell upon the third part of rivers and fountains
of waters (trumpet 3)

(The results)

One-third of the trees burnt up (trumpet
1)

All green grass burnt up (trumpet
1)

One-third of the sea became blood
(trumpet 2)

One-third of the sea creatures died
(trumpet 2)

One-third of the ships were destroyed
(trumpet 2)

One-third of the rivers became wormwood
(trumpet 3)

One-third of the fountains became
wormwood (trumpet 3)

One-third of the sun smitten (trumpet
4)

One-third of the moon smitten (trumpet
4)

One-third of the stars smitten (trumpet
4)

One-third of the day shone not (trumpet
4)

One-third of the night shone not (trumpet
4)

Many men died (trumpet 3)

8:13. AND
I BEHELD (or watched), AND HEARD AN ANGEL (or an eagle) FLYING THROUGH
THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or in midair), SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, WOE, WOE,
WOE, TO THE INHABITERS (or people) OF THE EARTH BY REASON OF (or because
of) THE OTHER VOICES OF THE TRUM-PET (or trumpet blasts) OF THE THREE
ANGELS, WHICH ARE YET TO SOUND (their shofars or trumpet)! T2.

8:13. AND
I BEHELD (or watched),

AND HEARD AN ANGEL
(or an eagle)FLYING THROUGH THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or in midair). Note, the eagle may denote swiftness.
The angel was

SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, WOE, WOE,
WOE, TO THE INHABITERS (or people)OF THE EARTH. The angel
was warning of three "woes" that were yet to come. These woes
were

BY REASON OF
(or because of)THE OTHER VOICES OF THE TRUMPET (or
trumpet blasts)OF THE THREE ANGELS, WHICH ARE YET TO SOUND (their shofars or trumpet)!

The first four trumpets were confined
to the first part of the Tribulation. They appear to give details about
the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel and the devastating results upon the
earth.

The last three trumpets (five, six, and
seven) occur at a later time than the first four. These are each referred
to as a woe. They are even worse than those that preceded them. These
last three trumpets seem to come after the midst of the Tribulation. Trumpet
five appears to be during the second part of the Tribulation. Trumpet
six is nearing the end of the Tribulation. Trumpet seven is the Battle
of Armageddon.

AND THERE WAS WAR IN HEAVEN: MICHAEL AND
HIS ANGELS FOUGHT AGAINST THE DRAGON; AND THE DRAGON FOUGHT AND HIS ANGELS,
AND PREVAILED NOT; NEITHER WAS THEIR PLACE FOUND ANY MORE IN HEAVEN. AND
THE GREAT DRAGON WAS CAST OUT, THAT OLD SERPENT, CALLED THE DEVIL, AND
SATAN, WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD: HE WAS CAST OUT INTO THE EARTH,
AND HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM. THEREFORE REJOICE, YE HEAVENS,
AND YE THAT DWELL IN THEM. WOE TO THE INHABITERS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE
SEA! FOR THE DEVIL IS COME DOWN UNTO YOU, HAVING GREAT WRATH, BECAUSE
HE KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME-Rev 12:7-9,12.

Satan is cast down at approximately the
midst of the Tribulation. It appears that the fifth trumpet will follow
shortly after this event.